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There is always that one team in a conference, district, or classification that jumps up and surprises you each year. Most of the time, it seems to be the least likely candidate out of the potential group.

In 2012, Madison rose to the top of the state's largest classification from the ashes of mediocrity. In 2013, both Idaho Falls and Rigby, respectively, resurrected once-stagnant programs to return to the playoffs.

Success is a subjective term. For some teams, it means making the playoffs. For others, it means winning a state championship. For some, it could be just the opportunity to rise each morning and play the game they love. Since success is subjective, I'll use 'success' in a subjective sense for the following list. Remember, it's not about how tall you are, but how high you've grown. A team doesn't have to be a true state championship contender to be considered as a surprise team.

Here's a look at some squads that could fit that bill:

Class 5A
Timberline (Boise): The T'Wolves haven't won more than 4 games in a season in the last 5 years. After knocking off Boise and shutting out Meridian, Timberline faces the meat of their schedule in the next 4 weeks: at Bishop Kelly, vs. Middleton, at Rocky Mountain, vs. Capital. Seeing how they fare in the latter two games will help show more about where Timberline is at on the 5A state level.

Skyline: I already know what you're thinking. It's something along the lines of 'How can he list Skyline when they are 0-2 on the year?'. You may be right. But I also may be right when it comes to what I've seen from Skyline. The Grizzlies fought hard against Coeur d'Alene and barely lost a tough, close game against Blackfoot last week. Even though they are 0-2, they are playing at a much higher level now than really at any time last season... they've just happened to run into two tough opponents. The Grizz may surprise a few in late October if they are in contention for a playoff berth.

Class 4A
Preston: The Indians haven't had much luck at the 4A level outside of their 7-3 season in 2010. In the three seasons that followed, Preston won a total of six games. However, the Indians are off to a 1-1 start this year (albeit against competition from the Utah and Wyoming 3A ranks). Maybe they will have the mojo going by the time the 4A District 5-6 conference schedule rolls around for them in Week 4 vs. Pocatello.

Wood River: The Wolverines are young... very young. A lot of sophomores flank the roster sheets in Hailey, but those kids know how to win. The current group of Wolverine sophomores have not lost a game in three years... which is something that head coach Kevin Stilling is hoping to build on. Wood River snagged a HUGE conference victory during Zero Week at Jerome. They face Twin Falls this week in what could launch them into the playoff contender conversation.

Canyon Ridge: Some people have wondered if Canyon Ridge football would EVER get off the ground and find some stability. After all, the Riverhawks have struggled immensely on the gridiron since the school's inception. This year, Canyon Ridge is off to a 2-0 start with more winnable games on their schedule. Are the playoffs out of the question? Certainly not.

Class 3A
Kimberly: It's been a few seasons since Kimberly graced the quarterfinal round of the 3A state playoffs. But Rich Bishop has his kids on track to re-establish a winning culture and bring the Bulldogs back to prominence. It will be tough in a loaded bottom playoff bracket comprising of teams from Districts 4-5-6, but anything is possible.

Snake River: It's weird to put Snake River here because of their championship history, winning one as recently as 2011. But when you're Snake River, anything less than a title is unacceptable. While the last two seasons have ended in the state quarterfinals, I felt coming in to those games that the Panthers were a couple of playmakers away from being competitive in those games and from really contending for the state crown. This year, they may have those players in place. The true litmus test? Oct. 3 at home vs. Shelley.

Class 2A
Malad: While some may deem wins over recently-struggling programs like Ririe and Marsh Valley to be insignificant or not indicative of anything, the Dragons have their sights set on a return to the playoffs... and they may have the pieces in place to make some noise. One guy to watch out for: Derek Checketts. He's a monster on defense that also punishes you in the running game and as a receiver. Malad plays Firth this week, a good test for the Dragons to see where they are at in their progression under Coda Tchida.

West Jefferson: The Panthers hadn't won a game in 3 years. Then, in what may have been the biggest shocker of Zero Week, West Jefferson shut out Soda Springs 38-0. The kids from Terreton have a new offense, defense, coaching staff, and attitude. Despite a 20-14 loss last week at South Fremont, things are certainly looking up for West Jefferson. With the 2A Nuclear Conference received four berths to the first round of the playoffs, a trip to the postseason is not out of the question at all for the Panthers.

Class 1AD1
Glenns Ferry: Yes, I realize that this is the Pilots first season playing 8-man football. However, you can't go much lower than 0-for-the-season, including two forfeits and scoring only 45 points on offense, which is what Glenns Ferry did last season. In talking with head coach Laif Morrison, he said that spirits and interest in the program are high, something which the Pilots have not had in awhile. They play Valley this week in what could be something of a playoff preview.

Oakley: The Hornets returned to 8-man football after a relatively unsuccessful stint in the 11-man ranks. They promptly welcomed themselves back to the 1AD1 ranks with a 76-0 drubbing of Lakeside. The Snake River Conference is incredible competitive and Oakley looks to be right in the mix... can they survive and advance in the playoffs?

Class 1AD2
Clark Fork: The Wampus Cats haven't tasted success in the playoffs recently. But starting out the new season 2-0 is a nice way to build yourself up for that potential scenario. And in the 1AD2 White Star League (comprising Districts 1 & 2), there are only a couple of playoff berths available, meaning that EVERY game counts in that 8-team league.

Timberline (Weippe): The Spartans had won exactly ONE game since 2009 prior to this season. In 2014, Timberline has already secured two victories. What a story this would be if the Spartans could survive the White Star League schedule and advance to the playoffs?